Jim Humphrey honored with Patriot Award

Lt. Col. Jim Humphrey, associate dean of students, director of veteran services and director of security, was recently recognized for his service to student veterans at Lipscomb.

Humphrey was presented the Patriot Award by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves, an office of the United States Department of Defense. ESGR’s mission is to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States.

The Patriot Award is given to individual’s supporting Citizen Warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed. Humphrey was nominated for the award by campus safety and security officer Charles McDaniel.

“I couldn’t do what I do as a student, a campus safety officer and a member of the Marine Corps Reserves without Lt. Col. Humphrey’s encouragement and support,” McDaniel said in Humphrey’s nomination.

Wayne Curry, retired command sergeant major for the United States Army, presented Humphrey with the award in a special ceremony on campus last month.

“Lipscomb is a fine institution,” said Curry. “It turns out great folks. We appreciate all that you do at Lipscomb to support veterans and to help them get an education. Not only do you provide a college education for them, but you also support them with an office and a staff and other services to help make this a good experience for them.”

Patriot Awards are awarded to individual supervisors, not an entire staff or organization.

“This is quite a surprise and an honor,” said Humphrey. “It is humbling to be honored in this way by a student and employee. It is a reflection of the commitment that Lipscomb University has to serve our student veterans and to open doors for our veterans through higher education.”

Prior to coming to Lipscomb in 2012, Humphrey served more than 22 years in the United States Air Force and Army, having retired from active duty in December 2011 as deputy of the manpower and plans division of U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.

Humphrey began his career in 1986 with the Army as a Long Range Surveillance Scout before receiving his commission as an officer in the Air Force in 1992. Humphrey had numerous assignments, deployments and organization commands prior to retiring in 2011. He also holds a master’s degree in aeronautical science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a master’s degree in military art and science from Air University – Air Command Staff College.

ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.